TOWSON, Md. – The Landmark Conference Presidents' Council has endorsed a plan to conduct collegiate competition during the 2021 spring semester. As consistent with all decisions at the conference level, the safety and well-being of student-athletes remains the primary goal of the Landmark Conference.
In light of the varied rates of COVID-19 spread and the differences in legal restrictions across the jurisdictions where the Conference plays, the Presidents have proposed that Conference activities occur only among member schools that are willing and able to compete. They also agree that participating schools should refrain from playing if they pose or face a danger of spreading the virus.
This announcement is to aid student-athletes, families, coaches, and campuses in planning. The Presidents Council and conference leadership will continue to monitor state and local guidance regarding COVID-19. Decisions related to all athletics schedules will be subject to the realities of the pandemic as the coming winter and spring seasons approach.
The council approved February 5 as the tentative start of its conference basketball schedule with the intent of submitting the league champion as the automatic-qualifier to the NCAA Division III postseason tournament.
The league's swimming & diving championship will be conducted at campus sites over a three-weekend period with times/scores at different sites being compiled to crown top finishers in each event along with a league champion.
The league is working on an expanded non-traditional season with multiple dates of competition for fall sports whose 2020 seasons were cancelled. Any changes to the approved spring sport schedules or Championship dates will be communicated prior to the start of their preseason training.
The Landmark Presidents Council recognize the complexity of the decision to compete and agree that each member must make decisions that are appropriate for their institution based upon the public health situation in their specific jurisdiction while putting the health and safety of their students and communities first. The Conference supports the decision of each school to opt out of play altogether or as the season progresses.
The Landmark Conference continues to support the NCAA Guidelines for the Resocialization of Sport along with internal policies & procedures regarding a return to play.
Fans are encouraged to visit www.landmarkconference.org and the member's individual athletic websites for the latest schedules and championship information which will be posted in the coming weeks.
Moravian College will be following the NCAA Guidelines for the Resocialization of Sport with the intent on competing in the spring semester beginning with basketball. Schedules will be posted to www.moraviansports.com when they become available.
